Himachal CM wishes Indian team heading for Shitokai Goju-Ryu Karate Championship in Japan

Shimla, Jul 12 (PTI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday flagged off a 20-member Indian contingent from Shimla, for the Shitokai Goju-Ryu Karate Championship in Osaka, Japan from July 15 to 23.

Extending his best wishes to the team, Sukhu said it is a proud moment for the country as the athletes prepare to represent India on an international platform.

"Representing the nation is a matter of immense honour for any athlete, and such moments are cherished for a lifetime," the chief minister said.

Of the 20 members participating in the Shitokai Goju-Ryu Karate championship, 11 players are from Roots Country School, Baghi, while the remaining are from other parts of Himachal Pradesh and across the country.

This marks the Indian team's participation in the championship after a five-year hiatus. The contingent includes head coach Sensei Anil Kumar Jishta and assistant coach Sensei Hari Tamang, who are also travelling to Japan.

Emphasising the state government's commitment to promoting sports, Sukhu said various initiatives have been taken to encourage youth to take up sports and stay disciplined in life, while also keeping them away from drug abuse.

He further noted that the government has enhanced the prize money for medal winners in international events to motivate athletes and recognise their efforts.

The prize money for medallists of the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games has been raised from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore for gold medal winners, Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore for silver medal winners, and Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore for bronze medal winners, Sukhu stated.

"Similarly, for the Asian Games and Para Asian Games, the prize for gold medal winners has been raised from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore, silver medal winners from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2.5 crore and bronze medal winners from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore," the chief minister said. PTI/COR MPL MPL